Curriculum

Curriculum Overview

At Speedwell Infant School we aim to offer all children a broad and balanced curriculum which enables them to make connections between different aspects of their learning. We aim to develop children’s love of learning by providing them with first hand experiences and exciting practical activities which engage their interest and support deep engagement in the learning process. We also offer opportunities for children to reflect and develop their spiritual, moral and cultural understanding of the world. To support children to become lifelong learners we have six learning characteristics which we promote with the children:

Across school we follow a long term curriculum overview which links learning to topics and experiences which are built into the curriculum.

Long Term Overview

The long term curriculum overview is set out over a two year cycle, with all classes following the same theme/topic.

We recognise that the EYFS is a distinct phase of education with a developmentally appropriate curriculum delivered through a practical, play based approach to learning. Therefore, in Nursery priority is given to the teaching of the Prime areas of learning – PSED, Communication and Language and Physical Development, with the theme and subject areas below being used as the vehicle for this teaching and learning. In Reception, where children are not at typical development in the Prime areas of learning, this will continue to be prioritised for these children alongside early reading, writing and maths skills. Where there are differences for the Foundation Stage, these are in green text on the pop-up documents below.

The school has a separate document which identifies the term by term expectations and progression in reading, writing and mathematics from Reception to Year 2. Therefore, these subject areas are not included in this long term curriculum overview.Year 1 of the cycle will be for academic years where the September is an even numbered year. Year 2 of the cycle will be for academic years where the September is an odd numbered year.

The Curriculum

In Key Stage 1 (Year 1 and Year 2) we follow the Primary National Curriculum for England. As a school we have looked in detail at the progression for children in Reading, Writing and Mathematics using the end of Key Stage 1 teacher assessment criteria alongside the National Curriculum expectations for Year 1 and Year 2. We have developed a Progression Document to support the teaching and learning of Reading, Writing and Mathematics each term throughout Year 1 and Year 2:

In the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS, Nursery and Reception) we follow the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage. In line with the expectations of the Statutory Framework, learning in the EYFS is through planned, purposeful play with a mix of adult led and child initiated activity. We strongly promote the three Prime Areas of Learning – Communication and Language Development, Physical Development and Personal, Social and Emotional Development to build strong foundations for future learning. To support the delivery of the Statutory Framework for the Early Years Foundation Stage we follow Development Matters in the EYFS which covers key learning across the age range from birth to 5 years. A parent friendly version of this document which gives ideas of activities to do at home to support children’s early learning and development is available. This is called What to Expect, When?

Across the EYFS and Key Stage 1 we follow the Letters and Sounds programme to support the teaching and learning of phonics. In Nursery children focus on Phase One activities to build strong listening skills and develop good sound discrimination. In Reception and Key Stage 1 the remaining Phases are taught, building children’s skills and ability to read words by looking for the sounds in words and blending them together to read.

To find out what your child is learning about this term, click on the link for their class: